Sheriff James Ruotsala
Sheriff James Ruotsala was a veteran having served with the United States Navy. On January 16, 1965, he was united in marriage to the former Judith Walman. The couple had first resided in Maryland before moving to Hancock in 1967. In 1995, they moved to make their home in North Grosse Pointe Shores. Mr. Ruotsala began his career with the Houghton County Sheriff's Department in 1968 as a Marine Patrolman. He then worked at various positions in the department until being elected Sheriff in 1980, a position he held unopposed for 15 years retiring in 1995. From 1989 to 1990 he was honored to serve as president of the Michigan Sheriff's Association. He also worked for a short time as a Hancock postman in 1967.